To promote life safety and reduce human suffering and property loss through public education and fire prevention programs. To mitigate the consequences of fire, accident, sudden illness or disaster in the community. To recognize that every individual is valuable and to maximize each member’s potential.  To reach into the future, never forgetting the past.

 Winter Safety Tips

It is important for all citizens to be prepared for the possibility of extreme changes in the weather year round.  With winter quickly approaching, the Fayetteville Fire/Emergency Management Department would like to take this time to remind you of several Winter Safety Tips.  Some of these tips apply year round, such as maintaining a family emergency response kit.  Others are particular to the hazards associated with winter storms. 

  

1. Monitor changing weather conditions.  Listen to local radio and television stations for the latest forecast.  Pay attention to watches and warnings in your area.
   
   
2. Listen to your National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) weather radio if you have one.  If they issue a winter weather warning, be prepared for possible power outages and impassable roads.
   
   
3. Ensure you have your response kit available.  Make sure you have flashlights, spare batteries, first aid supplies, medications, and sanitation supplies.  Also maintain personal items such as phone numbers, money, and important documents available.
   
   
4. If you have a portable generator, keep it outdoors and away from open doors or windows.
   
   
5. Use kerosene heaters in properly vented rooms.  Use only the correct fuel for the heaters and keep all flammables away from the heater.  Never re-fuel the heater indoors.
   
   
6. Never burn charcoal inside the house for cooking or heating.  This includes the garage area.  It is not only a fire hazard, but also a hazard from carbon monoxide poisoning.
   
   
7. Keep a three-day supply of non-perishable food and water in your home.
   
   
8. To help keep warm, wear multiple layers of thin clothing.  
   
   
9. If you have a fireplace, maintain a supply of dry, seasoned wood.   You should also have your fireplace inspected yearly to ensure it is in good operating condition.
   
   
10. Have a fire extinguisher available as part of your emergency response kit.  Make sure your family knows how to use the extinguisher.
    
    
11. If you plan to travel, make sure you have an emergency kit in your vehicle including warm blankets, changes of clothes, flashlight, non-perishable food, and water.
    
    
12. If driving on snow- or ice-covered roads, reduce your speed.  Increase your following distance between you and the car ahead of you.
    
    
13. Departments should review their winter weather emergency plans.  Department heads should plan for operating with only essential employees. 

If you have any questions concerning these tips, please feel free to contact the Fayetteville Fire/Emergency Management Department at 433-1431.